In a surprising turn of events, WNBA star Caitlin Clark, one of the most high-profile names in women’s basketball, will not be participating in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 professional basketball league. The news came on November 20, 2024, when ESPN confirmed that the Indiana Fever guard, despite being heavily courted by the league, has opted not to join its debut roster.
Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is set to launch in January 2025, featuring some of the league’s top talent. Despite offering Clark a spot among its 36 roster positions, she has declined the opportunity to play in the league’s opening season. The final two roster spots remain open, but Clark will not be filling one of them. In contrast, her Indiana Fever teammates, Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull, have both committed to the league, with Boston joining the Vinyl team and Hull signing with the Rose team.
Clark’s decision comes after a whirlwind year in 2024. She gained national attention by leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to a national championship game before being drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever. During her rookie season, Clark made an immediate impact, helping the Fever reach their first playoff appearance since 2016, all while averaging 19.2 points per game. After a hectic season, Clark will now enjoy a much-needed break during the WNBA offseason.
While Unrivaled will undoubtedly miss having Clark on its roster, the league is still expected to bring plenty of excitement to the basketball community. Six teams are slated to compete, and all games will take place in Miami. The debut of Unrivaled on January 17, 2025, promises to be a highlight of the women’s basketball calendar.
As Clark continues to make waves in the world of basketball, it remains to be seen what her next moves will be during her offseason. Regardless, her decision not to participate in Unrivaled won’t overshadow her remarkable rise in the WNBA.
